Cruz laments end of World Cup dream

Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz admitted he was devastated that their World Cup dreams had come to an end.

The 1-0 defeat by Sweden left the South Americans bottom of Group B without a point and unable to qualify for the last 16.

The Bayern Munich forward said: “We are really disappointed, as we came here with a big dream, and now we go home with nothing.

“The team is sad because we felt that we had done enough against Sweden.

“I would have been happy if Paraguay had reached the round of 16 and played against Germany. It is difficult to know why we have gone out because we haven’t been bad in either game.”

His fellow striker Nelson Valdez said he was now backing Germany to win the World Cup.

He said: “We came to the World Cup with the dream of making history. Now we are very disappointed that this dream has been shattered.

“I cross my fingers for the Germans, who are celebrating a big party here, to do well.”